I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 59 - 23: Upheaval in the Western Regions, What Is Filial Piety (Happy New Year)

Chapter 59: Chapter 23: Upheaval in the Western Regions, What Is Filial Piety (Happy New Year)
The sudden death of any emperor would have an unimaginably profound impact on all under heaven.
Especially someone like Liu Zhuang, a wise ruler revered by millions?
The common people weep tears of blood, and the mountains and rivers share in the sorrow.
From this day forth, all of the Great Han seems draped in a shroud of gloom, which lingers without dispersing.
But the greatest impact;
——still lies in the Western Regions.
Since the time Liu Zhuang reopened the Protectorate of the Western Regions, all of the Great Han essentially embarked on a formal engagement with the Northern Xiongnu.
Gu Cheng was naturally born as a commander.
He would not waste any opportunity to continually expand the Great Han’s influence in the Western Regions.
Especially after the news of the Great Han’s successful water control spread.
This influence multiplied exponentially.
In less than a year, several small states have successively come to pledge allegiance.
Gu Cheng naturally wouldn’t refuse these people.
But under such circumstances, the foundation of the entire Protectorate of the Western Regions in the Western Regions would naturally be unstable in the short term.
In fact, if Liu Zhuang hadn’t died and the Great Han could dispatch troops on time.
This wouldn’t be a significant issue.
Neither the countries of the Western Regions nor the Northern Xiongnu could withstand the current iron hooves of the Great Han.
Yet Liu Zhuang’s sudden passing completely changed all of this.
Nation of Yanqi.
When Gu Cheng heard the news of Liu Zhuang’s passing, he was utterly stunned.
Bewildered... unable to believe... followed by profound grief.
Even though Gu Cheng’s political abilities were far inferior to Gu Kang’s, how could he not understand Liu Zhuang’s intentions at this moment?
Years of training, all for entrusting a heavy responsibility in the future.
And now... this emperor has died just like that?
Countless thoughts surged in his mind, and then Gu Cheng immediately sensed the hidden danger.
How could the Northern Xiongnu let this opportunity pass?
During this time, the Northern Xiongnu had already been preparing for battle, ready to face the Great Han’s armies.
There had been constant minor skirmishes between the two sides.
If they got wind of this news, would they not come to besiege us?
If the Protectorate of the Western Regions were breached.
In an instant, everything the Great Han has reestablished in the Western Regions over the past few years would collapse completely!
Suddenly, Gu Cheng’s expression changed dramatically.
"Issue orders, fortify our defenses immediately, prepare to face the enemy!"
This news can’t be kept secret, so Gu Cheng could only choose to prepare the army tirelessly.
Hearing this, the generals were momentarily stunned.
But they weren’t fools; to have survived under an emperor like Liu Zhuang, they had to have some real capabilities.
In just a moment, they understood everything.
Each one’s expression changed instantly.
"General!"
Dou Gu cupped his hands towards Gu Cheng, "Our army’s situation is dire; why not retreat back to Cheshi, or even Yiwulu City, before the enemy notices?"
Indeed, he had become Gu Cheng’s subordinate.
Yet he bore no resentment.
After all, Gu Cheng had given him a chance before.
Upon hearing this, the generals’ eyes flickered with brightness.
Retreat?
That was indeed a good idea!
As long as they could retreat to Yiwulu City, they would have reinforcements and no longer need worry.
At this suggestion, the generals were slightly tempted.
Retreating was definitely a foolproof plan.
As long as they could fall back to Yiwulu City, they’d be secure, with no fear of being trapped where they were.
But Gu Cheng directly shook his head.
"Retreat?" Gu Cheng surveyed the generals, sternly saying, "Before we receive the court’s orders, we must not act."
"If we withdraw now."
"What will the nations of the Western Regions think?"
"They will think the divine troops of our Great Han fear the Northern Xiongnu."
"If so, in the future, if our Great Han wishes to regain control of the Western Regions, it would be immensely difficult."
"How could we do such a thing?"
Gu Cheng’s expression was deeply resolute.
He was absolutely right; the Western Regions are now an arena for the Great Han and the Northern Xiongnu.
Simply taking turns won’t work in this matter.
Only by remaining strong can more Western states become closer to the Great Han.
If we were to retreat immediately.
The Northern Xiongnu would definitely seize everything the Great Han has now and eradicate the pro-Han factions cultivated within.
If this happened... it would be difficult to find anyone pro-Han among the nations of the Western Regions.
Who would be willing to follow you if you flee at the first sign of trouble?
This is a choice concerning one’s life and livelihood.
This is something the Great Han cannot afford.
"Everyone, this is the achievement we’ve painstakingly built."
"Moreover, is the enemy even here yet?"
"And are we predestined to lose?"
Gu Cheng surveyed the assembly, exceedingly serious, and said, "If the enemy comes, as long as we can hold."
"The moment the court’s reinforcements arrive, we will have accomplished something great!"
"I remember my father once told me, back then, when Emperor Guangwu faced tens of thousands of troops in Kunyang, he was unafraid."
"He also said, how could a real man crave life or fear death?"
"Now we are here; how could we retreat?"
"Rest assured, if the Han Army were truly to face utter defeat, this general would surely die before all of you!"
The entire camp fell into silence.
The generals and soldiers looked at the serious Gu Cheng, not doubting the truthfulness of his last statement in the least.
Should we truly face defeat, Gu Cheng would absolutely die before them.
Because he has always led from the front.
Those present were all men who had been to the battlefield, and words having reached this extent, naturally no one hesitated; they nodded and cupped their hands in agreement.
Gu Cheng’s arrangements were not limited to this.
Next, he requested that the generals inform their troops about the emperor’s death.
But they must tell them that the court will still send reinforcements.